Pakistan women scrap to win

SAVAR - Pakistan Women warmed up for their ICC Women's World Twenty20 2014 campaign with a nervy five-run win over Bangladesh Women in its second warm-up match at the Krira Shikkha Protisthan No 3 Ground in Savar on Thursday (March 20).Bowled out for 81 in 19.5 overs, Pakistan's bowlers came to the rescue to restrict Bangladesh to 76 for 6 in its 20 overs. Asmavia Iqbal was the pick of the lot with figures of 3 for 8. Chasing the meagre total, Bangladesh overcame an early setback of losing Sanjida Islam, captain Salma Khatun and Rumana Ahmed in under five overs. Opener Ayasha Rahman (28), who top-scored, shared the innings' highest partnership of 24 runs with Fargana Hoque for the fourth wicket, and followed it up with a 19-run, fifth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Nuzhat Tasnia.Tasnia remained unbeaten on 21 as Bangladesh ran out of overs, eventually falling five runs short of the target. Anam Amin and Iqbal played the important role of making early inroads, dismantling Bangladesh's top order and shared five wickets between them. Asked to bat, Pakistan lost its top four batters with Salma Khatun accounting for both the openers in successive overs, followed by a twin strike by Jahanara Alam in the sixth over. With Pakistan reduced to 14 for 4, it was in desperate need of a strong partnership. That came when captain Sana Mir (18) and Nahida Khan put on 27 runs in five overs for the sixth wicket. But that being the highest of the innings left Pakistan with little chance of scoring a big total. Tidy bowling display from Fahima Khatun added to Pakistan’s woes, but Nahida managed to add 30 runs before she was dismissed for a 29-ball 30. Pakistan folded an over later. Pakistan take on South Africa at Sylhet on Sunday (March 23) in the main leg of the tournament, while Bangladesh square off against South Africa on Friday (March 21) for its final warm-up.